30 Sep ‘You could feel it in the air.’ Black Women’s Wellness Day draws biggest crowd yet

By Mackenzie Krumme, Madison365

The 11th annual Black Women Wellness Day drew nearly 700 people to the Alliant Energy Center Saturday. There were participants from all over the midwest, including more than 100 teens. There were 21 presenters, more than 80 exhibits, 12 workshops and activities; everything resonating with an empowering “Rise of the Well Black Women” theme.

“There was an excitement in the room. You could literally see and feel the rise of the well Black women. They could feel it in their souls. There is a hope and an optimism in the room that here in Dane County and beyond that we can shape our lives to where Black women can thrive, exceed limits, and live their healthiest lives,” Peyton-Caire said.

The Black Women’s Wellness Day is organized by the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness, a nonprofit organization committed to eliminating the health disparities for Black women and girls. After 11 years of BWWDAY, Peyton-Caire said this year was different.

“What I wanted people to hear is that we are determined to move Wisconsin from the worst to the best with black women’s health,” Lisa Peyton-Caire said in an interview Thursday. “We can’t do it alone and we want the community to (make) Wisconsin and Dane County the best place to live, thrive and have access to opportunity.”

Nearly a week later, Peyton-Caire said she is still on cloud nine and receiving word from participants on how they want to change their lives after the memorable event. These include calls and emails about starting gym memberships, packing healthy lunches, becoming an advocate and even people wanting to start their own nonprofit organizations. Read more …